CAPTIVE Synonyms: 54 Similar and Opposite Words

captive 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkap-tiv

Definition of captive

as in imprisoned

taken and held prisoner the captive soldiers were treated humanely by the guards

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

captive

2 of 2

noun

as in prisoner

one that has been taken and held in confinement the captives in the concentration camp had devised a daring plan of escape

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of captive

Adjective

The present-day framing takes place on the island where an exhausted Odysseus (Matt Damon) washed up 10 years after the Battle of Troy, and is now held captive by the nymph Calypso (Charlize Theron). — The Week Uk, TheWeek, 23 July 2026 By the time the film gets back to the subject of wolves, von Carolsfeld has abruptly stopped framing her captive humans as wildlife. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 22 July 2026

Noun

The captives led the horses out to graze and began to gather water and collect brush for the fires. — Literary Hub, 8 July 2026 The hijackers had threatened to execute the 106 captives if their demands were not met. — Anne Neuberger, The Atlantic, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for captive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for captive

Adjective

Her adultery story initially evokes the imprisoned girl’s compensatory reveries, but over time its focus shifts.

— Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026
The new version of Hannibal starred Mads Mikkelsen as a pre-imprisoned Hannibal Lecter, forging a relationship with Hugh Dancy’s Will Graham.

— Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of imprisoned

Noun

In episode seven alone, Rhaenyra’s prisoner sees a gray mare and doors that open to her.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026
She has not been seen publicly since then, and the last official photo of her released was in April, when she was moved from prison to house arrest and her sentence was reduced as part of a prisoner amnesty for a Buddhist holiday.

— ABC News, ABC News, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of prisoner

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captivators

captive

captives

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“Captive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/captive. Accessed 9 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of captive

adjective

noun

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